Clearing Ears (Decongestion)???

Huggyd · 05-12-2007, 08:33 PM

I am new to the sport of scuba diving and am in the process of taking the course. I have found the course so far to be vary informative, my instructor seems to know what he is talking about and he talks about it with such excitement it makes you want to get out there and go diving right way. I was just wondering what peoples general feelings are on taking a DECONGESTION before diving? I ask for two reasons, one being that this was mentioned to me by a diver (not the instructor) and two, as a class we were in a 12 ft deep pool fully equipped and I was doing as I have been instructed clearing my ears the whole time down to the bottom (head back looking up, I was moving my jaw around, holding my nose and lightly blowing) I was trying all of them and still feeling pressure on my ears. Now this was my first time in the deep end of pool diving and the pressure wasn’t unbearable but it was annoying, not annoying enough I would have to abort but again this was only in a pool, and I was thinking that if I was feeling that at 10 or 12 feet then at 20 or more it would be a lot of pain. It makes sense to me that a Decongesting Med would work because that would open up your ear passageways for better drainage but I’m not Doctor or Diver (yet, I’m learning)

Thanks for any information.

**glynneco** · 05-13-2007, 03:02 AM

The pool is actually the worst for equalizing. I find that 12 ft depth difficult to equalize at. You'll find that when you go deeper it gets better and easier.
As far as decongestents. I try to avoid them but I will take a Sudafed if reI need something. Works well and doesn't have the negative impact other meds do at depth. You'll get a lot of different opinions on the med question. Now you have mine!
Good luck and try equalizing A LOT on the way down. It'll help

comspy · 05-13-2007, 11:42 PM

I would not use decongestants. They can wear off while you are under water, and that mat not be good. If you are taking the PADI Open Water Course, I believe they mention that several times in module 1.

Comspy

**MgicTwnger** · 05-14-2007, 01:59 AM

If I have a runny nose without much congestion I use a nasal spray. If it wears off or I get too congested to equalize easily, party's over.
However, if you are a beginning diver and are just having a little trouble equalizing I would say do not take anything, just practice. If you were having a serious problem, I doubt that you could get to the bottom of the pool without real discomfort.

Divingdad · 05-15-2007, 06:26 AM

If you will take sudafed several days in advance of diving it will dry your sinuses up pretty good! It works great for me! And also make sure that you start equalizing your ears as soon as your head goes under water, if you wait until you feel pressure then you waited to long. Well thats my two cents.

**Scuba Mama** · 05-16-2007, 03:28 PM

Some things to keep in mind, sudafed will dry up your sinuses, with this drink a lot more water then you would normally to offset the dryness, it is very important you stay hydrated while scuba diving. If you take a 24 hour time release you will have no guarantee when it will release and when it won't. All meds are tests at sea level not under pressure so there is never a guarantee how your body will respond with meds under pressure.

I advise people to use the predive clear. I have used sudafed 4 hour and just before I dive but that does not mean I would approve if you ask me. Make sure your well informed and understand what the consequences of your decision before taking any meds and then mixing diving.

Divingdad · 05-16-2007, 03:33 PM

Thats Right! :-)

**Resqdivemedic** · 05-16-2007, 03:47 PM

Other facts about Sudafed, its clasified as a central nervous system stimulant which can lead to excitabitily, restlessness, and dizziness. These in turn can result in panic and disorientation. Another side effect is increase in the heart rate and force of the hearts contractions. In a person with underlying heart disese, known or unknown, this can lead to a heart attack or other cardiac type event. If taken in large doses it can cause seizures and sudden death. DAN suggest to try it long before you dive to see what the side effects will be. As with any medication and diving, check with your physician to see if you can dive and take the med. Good luck and dive safe.

**glynneco** · 05-16-2007, 11:27 PM

Meds of any kind (even food) add a "failure point " to the dive. It's like adding a new piece of equipment. It's another form of task loading. You want to know what will happen in the big water. So, yes, dive "lite" and add whatever it is you're considering and see. Make sure you buddies know what's going on to so they can be on the look out. You don't want to do a wreck dive in 130fsw and shoot a bag on the way up without telling folks in advance. Same with the meds or ANY change in physical condition. Once you understand what the effects are you can dive. Just remember you have added another "failure point" to the dive. One more thing to manage. If you can then have fun and dive safe.

Huggyd · 05-20-2007, 10:16 PM

Thanks for all the info people.

I think I'll just practice, see how I feel in open water.